SHOE DESIGNER OF THE DAY: CHIE MIHARA

Ok. i cannot possibly express how much I love Chie Mihara shoes. They're pretty much in the perfect sweet spot of gorgeous, well crafted, not-too-high heeled, and edgy without being too wacky. These are the perfect work-appropriate shoes for creative professionals because they're subtle enough to fit into a corporate environment but still have a lot of personality.

SHOEMAKING CLASSES / LESSONS

www.shoemakingbook.com is kind of a logical place to look. There are a few books on this site. Some leatherworking books that are not shoe-specific and a few other manuals on shoe, boot and last-making. The comprehensive shoemaking book is quite expensive and ships from Australia so i haven't pulled the trigger yet but there are examples from different sections of the book to give a taste of the contents.

http://shoeschool.com/

http://www.simpleshoemaking.com/

http://jeannebjorn.com/

http://www.internationalshoemakingdesign.com/

http://www.shoecollege.com/

http://www.prescottandmackay.co.uk/courses/two-day-shoemaking.php

FAVE TEXTILE DESIGNER OF THE DAY: ETSUKO FURUYA

She designs the Echino line for a Japanese fabric company called Kokka. (They make a wide range of really adorable prints) But her work stands out. It's mostly uphostery weight fabric good for pillows and bags but someday I'll make a dress out if one of these.

Some of her fabrics can be found on Ebay. There are also a few online sellers who specialize in Japanese imports like superbuzzy.com

Lots of natural motifs without being too sweet and girly. And her color choices are so unique it creates a distinctive palette.